7 Extraordinary Facts about St. Blaise
Have you ever had the very intriguing opportunity to go to church on St. Blaise day?
I have and I’ll never forget it.
At the end of the Mass, we all walked up to the front of the Church in a single file line. Once I approached the priest, he took two candles one crossed over the other in an x shape and held them up to my neck.
At first, I didn’t know what to think being the inexperienced Catholic that I was.
It almost felt like a pretend version of a beheading!
But, as I grew and learned more about my faith, I now realize that it was a very special throat blessing for me passed down from our beloved saint today, St. Blaise.
Who is St. Blaise
St. Blaise is the patron saint of wool combers and persons who experience throat issues. St. Blaise is a revered Christian leader from the fourth century. He was raised in Sebaste, a significant Armenian metropolis that is now Sivas, a modern Turkish city. St. Blaise was well known for his ability to heal people and compassion for the sick and suffering.
The life and accomplishments of St. Blaise are the subject of several tales and legends that have been passed down through the ages. He was well known for both his ability to heal the sick and his wise counsel. He supposedly possessed the ability to heal a variety of illnesses and stop fatalities. During his lifetime, St. Blaise was adored and revered by the people of Sebaste, who looked up to him as a spiritual guide and protector.
One of the most well-known stories about St. Blaise is the one in which he prevents a small kid from choking on a fish bone. According to reports, after the boy’s mother prayed to St. Blaise for help, the saint appeared to her in a vision and took out the fish bone, saving the boy’s life. St. Blaise is currently regarded as the patron saint of throat conditions as a result of this practice, and his feast day is observed on February 3.
In the Catholic Church, St. Blaise is honored as a saint of remarkable virtue and compassion. In many of the drawings that depict him, he is typically shown with two candles which represent how he healed the boy from strangulation from the fish bone.
The necks of two candles are touched to give the faithful a special throat blessing on the day of St. Blaise’s feast. The St. Blaise blessing, still given in many Catholic churches today, draws people from great distances. (Catholic.com)
St. Blaise Bishop and Martyr
The life and accomplishments of St. Blaise are the subject of several tales and legends that have been passed down through the ages. He was well known for both his ability to heal the sick and his wise counsel. He supposedly possessed the ability to heal a variety of illnesses and stop fatalities. During his lifetime, St. Blaise was adored and revered by the people of Sebaste, who looked up to him as a spiritual guide and protector.
Where are the relics of St. Blaise?
The relics of St. Blaise are located in Dubrovnik, Croatia at their cathedral. They honors St. Blaise as their patron. You can take a pilgrimage there to see this miraculous place. I’ve included a fun day trip for you to explore if you’re looking for more fun things to do there. Just click on the picture below.
When is St. Blaise Feast Day?
On February 3, several countries around the world celebrate the Catholic celebration known as St. Blaise’s Feast Day. On this day, people celebrate St. Blaise, the patron saint of throat problems, for his life and accomplishments.
Many Catholic countries celebrate St. Blaise’s feast day with a special throat blessing in which two candles are used to bless the throats of the faithful. People travel great distances to obtain the St. Blaise blessing, which is given at churches.
Various countries, including Croatia, celebrate St. Blaise’s feast day with special Masses and processions in which participants carry sculptures of the saint along the street. Other countries, like Italy, celebrate St. Blaise’s feast day by giving out special cakes and pastries in his honor.
Sometimes, regional fairs and festivals with food stalls, carnival games, and other entertaining events are associated with St. Blaise’s feast day. People honor the saint’s life and ask for his graces at these events.
In conclusion, February 3rd is celebrated as St. Blaise’s feast day and is honored in numerous countries around the world with particular throat blessings, Masses, processions, celebrations, and fairs. During the celebrations, people can get together and celebrate the patron saint of throat issues.
St. Blaise Quotes
This quotes from St. Blaise is so inspiring.
Father of mercy and God of all consolation, graciously look upon me and impart to me the blessing which flows from this holy Sacrament. Overshadow me with Your loving kindness, and let this divine Mystery bear fruit in me. – St. Blaise
I put together a cool St. Blaise Catholic t-shirt for you. These are perfect conversation starters. When someone reads your shirt, you get to give them a brief history of St. Blaise and bring up our beloved faith with them. Just click on the shirt to choose your size and favorite color. Then click the BUY NOW button to get yours.
Prayer for St. Blaise
Here is a traditional prayer to St. Blaise:
“St. Blaise, holy bishop and martyr, friend of animals great and small, intercede for us. Through thy prayers, may God preserve us from sickness and all other evils. Amen.”
Novena to St. Blaise
Here is a traditional novena to St. Blaise:
Day 1:
O Holy Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, I invoke your aid in my present necessity. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, and all the saints, I humbly beseech thee to grant me the special favor I now implore (mention your request). Through your intercession with Christ, I pray that I may receive the help I so greatly need. Amen.
Days 2-9:
O Holy St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, you have been chosen by God to be the patron and protector of the sick, those suffering from throat ailments, and all those who invoke your aid. I beg of you to come to my assistance in my time of need. By your powerful intercession, grant me the grace I implore (mention your request). Through the love of your heart, I trust that I shall receive the help I need. Amen. (EWTN)
St. Blaise Blessing of the Throat
A traditional Catholic blessing known as the St. Blaise Blessing of the Throat is administered on February 3rd, the saint’s feast day, to bless and protect the throat, which is supposed to symbolize our ability to praise God and communicate with others. A priest gives the blessing, making the sign of the cross on the recipient’s throat while requesting St. Blaise’s intercession and praying for the throat’s well-being and protection.
Are You Inspired?
Are you inspired by what you’ve learned today about St. Blaise? I love sharing the lives of the saints. Check out our blog HERE for more inspiring saints!
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Well, that’s all for today.
I’ll see you back tomorrow with another Saint of the Day to inspire you!
Toodles,
-Priscilla
